George Yeo Keynote Speaker

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore (2004-11)
Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore (1999-2004)
Minister for Health, Singapore ( 1994-97)

George Yeo's Biography

George Yeo was a member of the Cabinet of the Singapore government from 1991 to 2011, during which time he served in a variety of high-profile roles. A member of the People’s Action Party, he served as the Minister for Information and the Arts (1991–99), Minister for Health (1994–97), Minister for Trade and Industry (1999–2004) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (2004–11).

George’s tenure as foreign minister saw a deepening of ties with the US, including a free trade agreement negotiated in 2003, and a security framework agreement in 2005 that ensured continued Singaporean cooperation with the US in Iraq, Afghanistan and in combating piracy on the Gulf of Aden.

Alongside his outstanding political career, George was also a member of the Harvard Business School’s Visiting Committee from 1998 to 2004, as well as the Chairman of the Young PAP from 1991 to 2000.